“This is to inform the general public that a fault has been reported in the submarine cable AAE-1 near Qatar [one of the seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan for international internet traffic],” the PTA said in a statement on Thursday.

“This may impact internet and broadband user experience across Pakistan.”

The authority added that the concerned teams were working to fix the fault. “The PTA is monitoring the situation and will keep updating telecom users accordingly,” it said.

In the recent past, people in Pakistan have complained about connectivity issues amid the government’s plan to install a firewall in the country.

On Wednesday, the PTA chairman acknowledged that the issue of internet access restrictions falls into a ‘legal grey area’ and urged the ministries of law and interior to clarify the legality of such actions.

In a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, retired Maj-Gen Hafeezur Rehman noted that internet shutdowns have been occurring since 2016, but the legality of such actions has only recently come into question.

He stressed the need for the ministries of law and interior to provide a definitive legal stance on this issue.

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Committee members scrutinised the telecom regulator’s head regarding the practice of suspending internet services, particularly in response to directives from the Ministry of Interior.

Committee Chairman Palwasha Khan raised significant concerns about the sluggish internet speeds throughout Pakistan and the legal uncertainties related to internet shutdowns and content blocking.

The committee learned that enhancing the network of fibre optic cables is the sole solution for improving internet speeds.

Rehman acknowledged that internet speeds would continue to lag unless substantial upgrades to the digital infrastructure are implemented.